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Tag: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

  • Video: “We no go call am back again” – Ghanaians reacts to Dede Ayew training

    Video: “We no go call am back again” – Ghanaians reacts to Dede Ayew training

    While some Ghanaians have expressed support for Black Stars captain Andre Dede Ayew’s exclusion from the squad during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, others continue to hold him in high regard.

    In a video posted on Instagram by @ghanagoal, Dede is seen diligently training on a football pitch believed to be near the University of Ghana’s entrance.

    In reaction to this one user @ current_arabian940 said, “We no go call am back again 😂😂😂😂😂”.

    Another user @ kojo_billions1 who slammed other users for their negativity towards Dede saying “Some of you be slow. Season is over and he’s home for holidays and not necessarily national assignment duties.

    He’s there almost every afternoon to do normal routine training just to keep shape before the new season begins so enough of the negativity!!!”

    Another critic added @elton_kofi_perk said “Fisrst time seeing training videos from this guy 😂

    See more reactions below:

    Netizens react to Ayew’s training

  • Otto Addo attributes his improved posture in media interactions to advice from his family, mother

    Otto Addo, head coach of the Black Stars, has revealed that he has adopted a more composed approach when interacting with the media, attributing this change to advice received from his mother and other family members.

    During his initial tenure as Black Stars head coach, Addo was perceived by many as being overly emotional in his interactions with the press.

    However, since his return to the role, he has garnered praise for his improved handling of media relations.

    When questioned about this transformation in an interview with 3Sports, Coach Otto Addo credited his mother’s advice as instrumental in helping him achieve a calmer demeanour.

    “I don’t know if my approach was that different. My mother talked to me about taking off my emotions, even if I don’t like some questions. My family asked me to solve this and to be calm.

    I have been talking to the FA president and the head of communications, who also gave me good advice.

    I think I learned not to be too emotional, even if there are questions I don’t like. I think it keeps me calm,” he said.

    Coach Otto Addo has begun his second tenure impressively by guiding the Black Stars to victories against Mali and the Central African Republic, revitalising Ghana’s campaign in the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

  • Mali sacks head coach after losing to Ghana, Madagascar

    Mali sacks head coach after losing to Ghana, Madagascar

    On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Malian Football Federation announced the dismissal of head coach Eric Chelle following a string of poor results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    The decision came shortly after Mali’s 0-0 draw against 10-man Madagascar in Johannesburg.

    Despite having a numerical advantage in the 16th minute due to a red card for Madagascar, the Eagles failed to score.

    Additionally, Mali had previously lost 2-1 to the Black Stars after leading by one goal, further compounding their recent struggles.

    “The executive committee of the Malian Football Federation, meeting in extraordinary session today, unanimously decided, with the agreement of the supervisory authority, to end the collaboration between the coach of the National Team Senior, Mr. Eric Sekou Chelle and the federation,” stated the official announcement.

    Eric Chelle, 46, has a multicultural background having been born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother and growing up in France.

    He spent most of his playing career in France and represented Mali internationally, earning five caps between 2004 and 2006.

    Chelle was appointed as Mali’s head coach in May 2022.

    He led the team to the quarterfinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast earlier this year.

    However, despite this accomplishment, there were concerns about Mali’s performance as they failed to maintain their lead against the hosts, who were reduced to 10 players.

  • Crazy! – FIFA’s reaction to Ghana’s exhilarating 4-3 win over Central African Republic

    Crazy! – FIFA’s reaction to Ghana’s exhilarating 4-3 win over Central African Republic

    FIFA has characterized Ghana’s exhilarating 4-3 triumph over the Central African Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as ‘crazy.’

    The football governing body shared its astonishment at the match’s outcome, which witnessed Otto Addo’s team clinch a hard-fought victory in Kumasi, on its official platform.

    “This #FIFAWorldCup qualifying match was crazy!” FIFA wrote, accompanied by a popcorn and an exploding head emoji, reflecting the excitement and drama that unfolded on the pitch.

    Ghana’s recent victory over the Central African Republic marked the team’s third triumph in Group I of the World Cup qualifiers.

    Their journey began with a narrow 1-0 win over Madagascar in Kumasi, followed by a disappointing 1-0 loss to Comoros in Moroni.

    However, on June 6th, Ghana bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Mali, courtesy of goals from Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew.

    This set the stage for a thrilling encounter against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium on Monday, June 10, 2024.

    In this intense match, Jordan Ayew stole the spotlight with a remarkable hat-trick, while Abdul Fatawu Issahaku netted the other goal.

    Yet, the Central African Republic fought relentlessly, managing to score a late third goal, setting the stage for a tense finale.

    Despite the late scare, Ghana maintained their composure and clinched a crucial three points. This victory propelled them to the top of Group I with nine points from four games.

  • 2026 World Cup qualifiers: Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan tops Group B after win over South Sudan

    2026 World Cup qualifiers: Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan tops Group B after win over South Sudan

    Former Black Stars coach James Kwesi Appiah has guided Sudan to maintain their lead in Group B of the 2026 African FIFA World Cup qualifiers following a dominant 3-0 victory over South Sudan in Juba on Tuesday afternoon.

    Sudan showcased their prowess in the match, taking the lead in the third minute of first-half added time with a goal from Waliedin Khidir, expertly assisted by Abdelrazig Omer.

    Yasin Mozamil extended their lead six minutes into the second half, and star player Mohamed Abdelrahman sealed the victory with a goal in the 78th minute.

    Remaining undefeated in the qualifiers, Sudan has secured three wins and one draw, accumulating a total of ten points. This impressive tally places them two points ahead of Senegal, currently in the second position with eight points.

    The Falcons of Jediane’s achievements are particularly noteworthy given the absence of a competitive league in Sudan due to ongoing conflict in the country.

    Despite the challenges posed by the war, forcing them to play their home matches outside Sudan, the team has shown remarkable resilience.

    Their ability to secure victories under such circumstances is a testament to their determination and skill.

    Kwesi Appiah is now pursuing the dream of reaching another World Cup with a different African country, having previously led Ghana to the 2014 edition.

    His leadership and experience are proving invaluable as Sudan continues to perform strongly in the qualifiers.

    Sudan’s upcoming match will be crucial as they aim to solidify their position at the top of Group B and move closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup, set to be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

  • “Thank you to God for letting it rain” – Otto Addo attributes win to rains in CAR-Ghana clash

    “Thank you to God for letting it rain” – Otto Addo attributes win to rains in CAR-Ghana clash

    Ghana coach Otto Addo acknowledged that the rainy weather significantly impacted the Black Stars’ thrilling 4-3 victory over the Central African Republic (CAR) on Monday.

    This crucial win propelled Ghana to the top of Group I in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

    Held at the Baba Yara Stadium, the match featured a hat-trick from Jordan Ayew and a goal from Fatawu Issahaku, securing a hard-fought victory for the Black Stars.

    The game was exciting and goal-filled, with rain playing a pivotal role in Ghana’s performance, according to Addo.

    The match began with Ghana in control, as Ayew converted a penalty in the sixth minute.

    However, CAR quickly responded with two goals from Louis Mafouta, giving the visitors a first-half lead.

    Ghana returned stronger in the second half, with Ayew scoring two more goals and Issahaku adding a sensational strike.

    Speaking after the game, Otto Addo revealed that the rain contributed to their improved performance in the second half.

    “The rain helped us play better and move the ball faster. Thank you to God for letting it rain,” Addo stated. “The support from the start was massive. Even though we were down, they stayed by our side. Thank you very much, Kumasi, for coming out again.”

    He also acknowledged that the first half was challenging for Ghana as they struggled to control the game and create opportunities upfront.

    “We had problems in the first half controlling the ball and finding solutions upfront. I take the blame. Maybe I wanted us to do too much, though we had a few days of training. We adjusted in the second half and deserved to win,” Addo admitted.

    The victory places Ghana at the top of Group I with nine points as they await the outcomes of the matches between Madagascar and Mali and Chad and Comoros.

    The Black Stars are now in a strong position to continue their campaign for a place in the 2026 World Cup.